Harold’s Harlot Wines
Posted by ymartiny | Filed under White Stick Sips
This time around the White Stick Sips decided to make their way to a bar which lies very close to home, quite literally, and to my heart: Harold’s Wine Bar. Harold Stoffel attempts to return some of the urban glitz back to what use to be one of the grandest hotels on the Atlantic Seaboard; the Ritz. Located on the underside of the belly of this white elephant, Harold and his bar have managed to become a local hotspot in an incredibly short period of time. We have two after-work waterhole options for a group of friends, which includes myself: when it comes to cheap-and-easy beer, it’s Fiesta (Happy Hour) and for wine, we have Harold’s (Happy Traffic Time).
After a visit to this quaint edifice, you’ll see why. The bar offers the best service in Sea Point (not difficult to achieve) and is regi’mentally’ kept neat – you wouldn’t expect anything less from the waiter, sommelier, manager and German owner – with wines inside wooden crates decoratively and ingeniously flanking both sides of the intimate lounge area which doubles as a cellar. Raw Africa meets the often-than-not Dutch/French-Huguenot Winelands in an unique indolent atmosphere where time seems to escape you and the busy and diverse Main Road fades in the background (there’s also an umbrella-covered area on the outside should you wish to be closer to the populace and not leave it behind). I have spent many a night in this modish ‘wine-tavern’ and on the night of the blind tasting I found myself having to consciously curb my scores for fear of reflecting my partiality:
1 – Drakensig Sauvignon Blanc ’09 (13/20)
Very bland – would like more flavour to come through – not well rounded
2 – River Grandeur Chardonnay ’09 (12.5/20)
Better nose than the first – faint honey on the nose balanced well with the wood – taste the Rama (butter) – might be a chard – Perhaps a young one with potential {yeah, spot on!}
3 – Amani Poppy Blush ’09 (15/20)
Macaroni and cheese – a bit spicy on the palate – average follow through – don’t know the rosé’s that well, so will skip the guessing
4 – Zorgvliet Cabernet Franc ’07 (14/20)
Musty nose – geriatric wine – very complex
5 – Altydgedacht Barbera ’07 (15.5/20)
Not sweet even though I’m drowning in a candy aroma – syrah must have helped this baby into creation
6 – JJ Merlot ’05 (Stellenrust) (17/20)
Nose through a forest of flavours & spices – Palate is at a restricted rave (that’s the notes, deal with it) – Love it!
7 – Gabrielskloof ‘08 (17.5/20)
Strong, solid nose – high in alcohol which is a bit overwhelming – coffee – Love it!
8 – Eaglevlei Shiraz ’07 (19/20)
Awesome nose and intellectual complex palate LOVE IT more than the previous two – Has to be my OBRWF (Old Best Red Wine Fav) Shiraz – And it was! I didn’t think Harold would serve the Eaglevlei though. I don’t even have to ask for this one when I drop in for a quick sip, as this is the regular ‘rent-a-wine on the strip’ I have.
A wonderful evening and an overall score from me at 15.38/20 with Harold as a true host; grounded, polite and hospitable, virtues so many managers from so many, and even top establishments, lack. The wine list, albeit limited but considering the size of the bar, is compiled by Harold himself who visits wineries and personally restocks ‘his collection’. The list consists of wines that are extremely well-priced and well-known as well as a few new ‘experimental’ wines which make every visit interesting and novel. And to add to an already marvelous experience, Harold’s Wine Bar has the biggest glasses in town and you get olives or grapes with cheese on a stick with every wine ordered by glass or bottle. I (will) visit Harold at his private cellar over, and over, and over ‘für immer’ …
- Cheese and a Grape on a Stick
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